89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

[brendanstl]

I just decided to check the fluid level in my outdrive while I have it pulled for a repower, upon removing the oil vent plug the plug shot out across my garage and oil sprayed out everywhere like it was under pressure, is this common? I just bought the boat so this is my first time checking the fluid level. What color is the oil supposed to be, pure black?

 

[Don S]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

If it held pressure like that, that sure means the seals are good. But the fact that it's black may indicate it's burned. Possibly bad bearings causing it to overheat, or a faulty impeller or other cooling system issues.
Did you take the boat for a test run? any noises in the drive?

 

[brendanstl]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

I didnt get the chance to test drive it, he didnt winterize it and I bought it as a rebuild. If I spin the shaft I can hear some squeaking i the outdrive and if I engage the drive and spin the prop it does the same. What kind of problems am I facing above and beyond the repower? I have the service manual for the drive but it looks to be quite a bit confusing to do the rebuild. Would I be ok running it for a season and doing a rebuild this winter? I'm tapped out financially after the repower.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

If I spin the shaft I can hear some squeaking i the outdrive and if I engage the drive and spin the prop it does the same.

Ayuh,... That's the Impeller,... With no history, you should change it out...

 

[brendanstl]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

I was just looking at the service manual and it looks pretty simple to change the impeller out and it also looks like it doesnt rquire any specialty tools. Am I correct? Do I need any special tools like a pump to refill the outdrive with oil after I service it?

 

[bomar76]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

1. Common hand tools
2. Don't forget the trim tab bolt
3. Don't forget to put shifter in FORWARD
4. Attention to detail
5. Patience
6. Manual
7. Don't snapthe little teeny bolts
8. Drive in FORWARD when you reinstall it
9. Little special pump to fill drive from bottom.
10. Don't forget to use a new outdrive gasket.

 

[brendanstl]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

If it held pressure like that, that sure means the seals are good. But the fact that it's black may indicate it's burned. Possibly bad bearings causing it to overheat, or a faulty impeller or other cooling system issues.
Did you take the boat for a test run? any noises in the drive?

Is there any bearings that are well known to go out on that drive or do I have to break the whole drive down and search for a bad bearing if it doesnt look like its the impeller? Is it a pretty good chance that its the impeller? I'm sure if don and bond-o say thats what they think it is thats probably what it is then but I thought i'd ask anyway.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

Is there any bearings that are well known to go out on that drive or do I have to break the whole drive down?

Ayuh,... Once you go past the Impeller job, you're diggin' in DEEP...
Lotsa speciality tools...

 

[bomar76]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

The cost of the special tools and education required to work on an outdrive expotentially exceedes the cost of a brand new SEI replacement drive with a 3 years no questions asked warranty....$1100 to $1400.

 

[brendanstl]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

The cost of the special tools and education required to work on an outdrive expotentially exceedes the cost of a brand new SEI replacement drive with a 3 years no questions asked warranty....$1100 to $1400.

Lets hope its the impeller then because if I have to spend anymore I'm into this boat way further than I should be.

 

[skargo]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

You asked if you NEEDED a special pump. You don't but I made one out of a weed sprayer. Beats pumping the little quart cap pump like a madman.

Total cost wasn't much, gear lube from Boater's World when they liquidated.
The weed sprayer was from a discount junk store. Works great!

 

[bomar76]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

I have an almost identical setup for drive fluid changes.
It's the berries!

 

[brendanstl]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

I have an almost identical setup for drive fluid changes.
It's the berries!

I saw someone online selling these similar pumps for 40-50 dollars

 

[skargo]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

I have an almost identical setup for drive fluid changes.
It's the berries!

I may have stolen the idea from you, or someone else!

I saw someone online selling these similar pumps for 40-50 dollars

I bet I had $15 tied up in mine, just have to find some bargains. Easy for a cheap guy like me!

 

[brendanstl]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

I went out to the garage put my ear to the lower housing and turned the prop.... Sure as **** its squeeking right where the impeller is. I have read in a few places that an overheat can cause the impeller and the pump to melt along with the seals in the outdrive..... Is it safe to say that since my plug shot out the way it did when I checked the fluid level that my seals are probablt ok and I could just get away with a pump rebuild kit? Anyone point me in the right direction for the parts or rebuild kit I will need to get the whole job done?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

Anyone point me in the right direction for the parts or rebuild kit I will need to get the whole job done?

Ayuh,... Click on the Mercruiser Parts link at the top of this page...

I built an oiler like that with an old metal gallon sprayer,+ other left over parts,...
Works pretty Slick....

 

[bomar76]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

I built an oiler like that with an old metal gallon sprayer,+ other left over parts,...
Works pretty Slick....

Great minds think alike.

 

[brendanstl]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

Can someone answer the other part of my last post?

 

[Juniinc]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

my 5$ just about everything pump,,,
might even be able to use it as an emergency bilge pump

 

[skargo]

Re: 89 Alpha 1 Outdrive Question

Can someone answer the other part of my last post?

It appears Bond-o did.

Ayuh,... Click on the Mercruiser Parts link at the top of this page...

I built an oiler like that with an old metal gallon sprayer,+ other left over parts,...
Works pretty Slick....

Here you go...
http://www.iboats.com/Mercruiser-Wa...0756366--**********.942919328--view_id.268809